My life in Instagram: Summer

Yes, Instagram is the new Twitter.  All photos, instead of asking someone to Twitpic what they are talking about.  Captions and quotes are so much better with pictures!

Here's some of what I've been up to during the summer/ a grouping of some of my instagram pics over the last few weeks:

1. My favorite fragrance: D&G Rose The One, but you all already knew that, right?

2. L'Oreal True Match Lumi. My latest foundation and a review has been posted!

3. Starbucks Green Tea Latte... yikes, I'll stick to my Chai Tea Lattes.

4. Founding Farmer's brunch included Fried Green Tomatoes!

5. Just me and my curls

6. My second pair of Jeffrey Campbells #alllaceupeverything

7. I've been in love with green polishes, but specifically mint, neon and vibrant greens. This is most of them from my collection.  I have favorite dark greens that are reserved for Fall and Winter.

8.  Accessories! Long beaded necklaces. Here I'm trying to wear some of my stash, instead of letting it sit =/ But I love tassels more!

9. Green! Again.  On my pointed acrylics.  This is my first set after trying to give my natural nails a breather and to decide if I wanted to return to the nail shop life. Well I did. I missed my pointed nails and polishing less frequently!  My favorite vibrant, pastel, almost neon polish (all 3 in 1) for the Summer is Ruby Kisses Tropical Green. I love it soooooo much!

On Instagram? What's your handle? Follow me!

mark. Spring Collection

All the essentials needed for Spring! Fragrances, makeup and accessories for a look on the go!

I asked Teen Yummy411 about the products. Check out what she has to say:

1. What's the texture of the mark. Mini Hook Up Sticks for eyes and lips ?
On the lips. the sticks feels like lip gloss; the eye side feels the same on the lid, no bueno.
I dont like that because the eye liner/shadow shouldnt feel that
way. I want it to stick and not swipe off. The sticks can be used up fast and have to be sharpened a lot.

2. How are the colors and pigmentation of the sticks?
They are true to color. The vibrant colors are vibrant and the softs are soft.
The gold sticks are my favorites!

3. How are the fragrances?
There are fragrances for every mood. Fruity and citrus-y scents aren't my style, but one of them is subtle and more like calogne --i like that one!

4. What do you think of the mark. sticks over all?
They are very neutral and easy to wear with anything. I love that. They are
my favorites !

There's Teen Yummy411's take on the mark.'s Spring/Easter essentials offerings. I'll need to get her into using bases for her creamier eye products. That way, she'll have the gold mark. stick for eyes on her lids all day!

*Products mentioned were PR samples for review!

Curls with Loc Loops

I was gifted some Lock Loops * and other goodies from Muthasfynest after she cut off her locs....(Don't gasp. I've accepted that some people just need a change after being with a style for so long). My sister maintains my locs, so she felt at liberty to try the Loc Loops on herself first. Gorgeous curls right! Look at how she colors her locs.. she dyes them every 3 months or so! I need to be more daring.

My turn!
All rolled up!

The next day I wasn't completely dry so I wore them tightly coiled. Now I see how people get their hair this way! LOL!

All dry and plucked out:

*Site linked as a reference. I don't know where she ordered hers from.

Now that I've tried my first style, I'm ready for more. What are some other DIY styles that you love?

Beauty Accessory: My Ikea Mirror

Maybe this mirror is simply supposed to be used for decoration, but I use it for my makeup. Yes, I have one of the lit up mirrors (I need a huge one now!), but I like this mirror for a broader view of what I'm doing. The mirror reflects a big enough image that I can see what I'm doing, with better perspective. One of my best Ikea purchases.

(In true Ikea form, the base is a bit wobbly, but I don't move it that much to worry.)

Figgjo Table Mirror, $29

My first beanie cap for the locs!

Yeh, so I finally got a beanie cap. Why? I don't want little flying things, air floating things getting caught in my hair without my knowledge. I'm so afraid of that! I often finger comb my locs, but a part of me just isn't sure. I'm also an allergy sufferer and wonder if my hair contributes at all? It doesn't get the same grooming as my relaxed hair did. Besides, I'm such a hat girl. Some days I'd rather wear a hat than to worry about how my hair looks.

Now honestly, I'd rather one of these:

Summer Beanie Caps by yummy411 on Polyvore.com

Much cooler for our warmer months ahead. Yes, I will be purchasing from Wet Seal because places like Urban Outfitters has ridiculous prices.

I swear I didn't want to fall into this trend because I've seen enough of it already! Ugh!
But hey, people with locs have been sporting these types of hats longer! =p Loc wearers or even those without locs, have you seen any summer styles that you like or pretty beanie caps that I should know about??

New Hair Accessories!

Locking your hair is a permanent style for most, but options for hair-do's and being creative with your hair isn't!

While I'm not quite ready yet for more color and styles (I HATE THE DRYER!) I like accessories!

I've dabbled a lot with scarves and headbands and have even contemplated these.

My last trip to the mall I ran across these babies.  Finally, the mass chains caught on to the feather trend! 

I've been wanting to order from an Etsy shop, but my hesitation over internet shopping left me without the desired accessories (I love Sewsephine's shop because she's one of the few that makes stretchy feather headbands! Great for locs).

Full pheasant feathers

You can pin (to your clothes) or clip!

Peacock feathers

Bobby pin clip

Icings stores, $6-8 each

Yummy411: Artscape 2008

I went to Baltimore's Artscape Festival this past weekend. Good times!

While there were other art exhibits and vendors, there was one vendor that respected makeup as an art, CoverGirl! CoverGirl Beauty Experts were giving makeovers with some of the new products and they were giving them away! Amaze-mint Lip gloss... There was even a CoverGirl fashion show. I was to be a CoverGirl Beauty Expert =( I was trying to inquire within, but the head staff person was off busy some where....

Good times with the fam.

Car exhibit, House of Mirrors, my Dad even got in on the fun... we stayed until dark! Look at the ferris wheel in the night sky!

Ok, I love those that can sew and craft garments... I will be able to sew too one day. I ran across this vendor who made funky hats using ethnic and batik fabrics. I'm a lover of hats, but it's one thing I have to compromise with locs. However, I found this huge hat that fit over my locs =) This is the hat I bought with some blue and green patterns in it. I would have loved to get one with some purple. His vendor name was Samsara Boutique, but I can't find anything relevant online. I signed up to be on the email list, so we'll see what comes of that.

Have you ever been to the Artscape Festival? See ya next year!

RIP K Swift

Yummy411: Go Mommy Go! Etsy Newbie

I learned about Etsy from I Like Her Style a while back, but being the apprehensive online shopper of small e-tailers, I never indulged until I saw this Etsy post by the 'bluetiful' Virtuous Blue babes.

I broke my Etsy cherry....

...on these earrings from AccessoRehab!

My locs aren't quite long enough yet to rock these, but my sister was able to!

She looks great in them! Can't wait to wear them!

She put these on to spice up her 7 minute mommy look as she doesn't have much time with her two little ones (21 month old -- yes months describe development! The mommies know what I mean! And her nursing 3 month old)

Face: CoverGirl Tru Blend Foundation (5) with a bit of moisturizer to make her own tinted moisturizer, (in T Zone and cheeks) MAC Golden Bronze Loose Iridescent Powder

Eyebrows: CoverGirl CG Smoothers Brow Pencil in Dark Brown to lightly fill in brows

Cheeks: MAC Blossoming Cream blush

Eyes: a bit of MaxFactor Pan Stick foundation (133 Rich Beige) as brow highlight and under eye concealer, Clarins Waterproof Eye pencil in 01Noir-Black, Clarins Waterproof Eye Pencil in 04Turquoise on waterline, MAC Plush Lash Mascara in Black

Lips: Maybelline Lip Polish in Pinch of Pink 06

Yummy411: Teen Beauty- Retro Blinder Shades!

Here's Kanye in his retro blinder shades....

My sister thinks she's Kanye...

(Yes, she took this photo and edited it herself.)

Can she really see through those things. I guess not if they are only good for taking pics at home in the bathroom ahhhaha...

LOL

I bet she'll write the next Teen Beauty post after this!

Retro Blinder/Shutter Shades

Good Friday!

Not in the religious sense, though I was set to post about some Easter goodies. I shall get to that over the weekend? Maybe, lol. My Friday morning began on a good foot. I wore a skirt to work, which I only do on rare occasion, overcoming challenges such as the cold temps in the DC area, and my many dumb reasons for not wearing skirts more often: my boots don't go well with the skirt, the skirt isn't the perfect length, my tights aren't the ones I wanted to wear- on and on. I made it to work early enough to stop by Starbucks for my tall caramel hot chocolate (I'm weaning myself off of caramel macchiatos *weep*) and a slice of sweet sinful indulgence a.k.a. a slice of marble pound cake. (Why I'm doing this I have no idea as I know I'll be partaking in the children's Easter goodies, bleh!) My morning is going well, smelling the aromas of cafe brews in the coffee shop, I spotted a young lady looking like she stepped out of the pages of Essence mag... chic trench, trouser jeans with a great wash, cute business casual wedge shoes, soft blue leather bag, eccentric bangles, natural coils and pretty smooth caramel skin. Sophisticated, yet edgy, unique. Most importantly, she looked mellow and graceful. "I like her style" I thought as I waited to hear my drink called. I read the blog I Like Her Style often and thought about how we can admire the styles of celebrities and write about it, but would we actually tell someone that (unless it's a good girlfriend, of course.) Telling that to someone in real life would be uplifting, right? Could I say that to a lady on the streets of DC, where bougie-ness is an accessory? Well, again, she looked mellow and graceful, so I tried my luck. I simply tapped her on her should and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I love your style" with a smile. In response, she wanted to trade business cards, invited me to her store, said she worked near my Starbucks and suggested lunch. Wow! Talk about networking! I've got to get some new business cards together! I checked out her website and it's just as fabulous as she is! You can check out her site too at urban-charm.com

Hair Jewelry

Hey Nay!

ZayunubyDesign.com



"Refreshinghly different Zayunu dreadlock Jewelry"
I love this site for it's unique jewelry. Most of all, I love the hair jewelry. I can't wait until my hair gets into shape for some cute hair adornment.

New Tech: iPhone vs. LG KE850

All the rave has been about the new iPhone. However, the LG phone was released before the iPhone and has even won an award for best design.
What do you think?

I might be in the market for the LG (I'm sure it would be cheaper.)

Nordstrom's Beauty Gift!

All of this is yours with a $95 or more beauty purchase at Nordstrom.com. I know that's easy for us!

[With your online beauty purchase of $95 or more, you'll receive a fabulousblue train case and deluxe samples from the following beauty brands:
Bvlgari
Clarins
Clinique
DuWop
Erno
Laszlo
Frederic Fekkai
GoSmile
Juicy Couture
Kinerase
Lancôme
Origins
philosophy
Prescriptives
Smashbox
Online only. One per person, while supply lasts. Gift will be added automaticallyin Checkout and can only be shipped to the same destination as your order.]

Random Beauty and Things

*Drug store finds:
jane. shimmering bronzer in Tahiti
I wanted to finally try one of those multi-colored blushes/bronzers without wasting too much money. I was in my local drugstore and decided to pick one up. A trip isn't complete unless i buy at least one new cosmetic, or two. The drugstore brand jane. had some cool looking ones. I actually use it as blush. Loving shimmer and bronze, it's not too sparkly. With enough of the product, it gives a subtle shimmer. It comes in a convenient compact like HIP shadows; one side product, the other side is casing with a small mirror and brush. Keeper!

Revlon LipGlide in Natural Glow
Convinced by the Eva Mendez photo for the ad, the Natural Glow shade looked great. Of course I want my lips to look like Eva Mendez, but that's not the case. However, it's a flesh colored lip product that gives you a natural vibrance to your lips. Keeper!




Wet n Wild Glassy Gloss


Something new from the our favorite dollar drug store cosmetic Wet n Wild: a glassy gloss pot. Nice colors, good product for a great price. Since I got a color very similar to everything else I own, this doesn't stand out among the products. Still a keeper!

*Rediscovered on my dresser:
Nars the Multiple in Palm Beach
I always read raves of Nars blush. Everyone's favorite is Orgasm. I tried it on during a Sephora frenzy, but didn't find it to be outstanding. Beautiful color-- maybe I didn't have enough on? I passed it up being content that I own an amazing creme colour/blush, MAC's Impropper Copper. That's some stuff to rave about! (Unfortunately, its a summer color for its high shimmer.) I was going through an old makeup bag and found this Nars the multiple. Now this is something that I decided was great. Great color, without the high shine so that it can be used across seasons.

Givenchy Amarige Fragrance
I received a sample of this and decided that it was lovely. I didn't take to it when I first smelled it on the bottle at the department store. I wore it around and found it to be a nice scent. Not too young, not too mature, but struck a nice balance. Now I'm not sure if it's actually Amarige or a derivative... but I hear they are all similar. Many of the perfume critics don't like it and take it not to be anything close to Givenchy's best work. It does smell very familiar, but it's okay for an average girl like myself. I'm enjoying the samples, but don't think it deserves a bottle purchase. Some of the notes (if it is Amarige Mariage) bitter orange, bergamot, patchouli, and sandalwood.

Avon's Sweet Honesty Body Creme

I received this Avon set as a gift, complete with body cream, talc and deodorant. Great moisture whipped body lotion with a soft scent of-...... bubblebath? The scent is a mix of rose, amber and spice. I swear, I try to stay away from amber, but it constantly creeps up on me. When I first rubbed it into my skin, I thought that the scent would bother me, annoy me. That classic Avon scent. Actually, as I wore it throughout the day, it's very subtle and I like to sniff it to remind myself of one of life's simple pleasures- a warm, relaxing bubble bath! Subtle enough to be layered or not to intrude with a real fragrance that I may prefer to wear.

*..and things

Satchel Multi- print

I love this little satchel/tote deal. I love the colors and the simple, yet chic design. I decided it was going to be my new everyday bag, since I needed to ditch the 20lb suitcase that I had been carrying before. (Stay tuned for a "what's all the crap" in my purse post.) It's big enough for my taste and doesn't burden your look. I know that big bags are stylish, but it's nothing stylish about appearing not strong enough to carry a purse. I have enough on my load without a cumbersome bag. Where did I pick up this sweet deal? None other that the beloved Target (by Xhiliration.) My only qualms: the zipper is too low, so I can't carry too many things or everything is sure to fall out AND there is no cell phone pocket inside. Don't designers realize that this is the new millenium? All of us don't clip our phones to our waists. Besides, with the large amount of space, we don't want to lose our cell phone in the bag.

Deep into Fall

I invision myself walking down the cool, city streets, enjoying the brisk air, sipping my caramel macchiato, in a laid back outfit..out shopping of course...... in Fall, city style. Here is my cool, relaxed must haves for this Fall look.



Dark Lips






I would like to try a dark, bold lip. Very daring, but with a makeup artist's help, I think I can work it. My choices for this look: MAC's Portside cremestick liner, Dense lipstick, and Trance Plant Lustreglass.

Sweater Dress

The girly-ness of a dress, but the warm cotton of a sweater all in one. I like the bold colors in this dress. The sky blue waist band draws attention, but in a good way. The jacket is thrown in for good measure.. I'd love to have this piece too! Ruffled, denim, unique and original. Wildlife-T-shirt.com


Tall Brown Boots









Try these for size. Ann Taylor Loft, Kenneth Cole boots. A wedge isn't necessary, but it's been the best transition from day job to weekend casual.


Tights








Gray or plum opaque solid tights. Americanapparel.com


Earrings









Love them! Metallic Cobra Snake on Brass Earrings. wildlife-t-shirt.com
Big Bangles and a ring will complete the accessories.

Wrapped up in a warm, wool coat, and scarf I'm enjoying the citylife! Hope to have these items soon!

All about the eyes

Thank you, thank you! Really, all the applause? I'm grateful (batting my lashes.) I would like to thank the makers over at Cover Girl for LashExact mascara. I received more than a few compliments on my lashes, even a question asking if they were real. After so many tubes of mascara, this one took me to my nirvana-- the false lash look without the glue! I'm truly grateful. I owe it all to you guys! Mua! Thank you! (Applause begins again.)

Ok, maybe this mascara isn't my ultimate favorite, but this has been the only time I was asked if my lashes were real or fake, which to me, is the ultimate compliment! Since, I've already reviewed LashExact's performance, I'll let it stand. I have a younger sister (Kay) with the longest, thickest and most curliest eyelashes I've ever seen. No LashExact needed. (Besides she's too young,lol.) Between my two sisters and I (excluding Kay,) an ultra cool compliment is to say, "Your lashes look like Kay's." I have another sister who has super curly, but short lashes. Yesterday, her "lashes looked like Kay's." She said she achieved the look by using one coat of Rimmel mascara and another coat of my DiorShow mascara. I'm sure it's just the layering of coats, but I'll try it to see if my lashes look like Kay's.

If you don't have the luck to be born with lashes such as those of my sister Kay, or haven't found the right formula to get Kay's lashes.. or the even my great day with compliments after using LashExact, try falsies. I checked out Lipstick, Powder and Paint and found the lashes of a lifetime! I love extravagant false lashes, but these top the charts. Check out her selection of falsies to choose from here! I'm def getting a pair soon. (Now where will I wear them???)

Marilyn Monroe kiss.... toodles!